Music Review: “Secret of Giving: A Christmas Collection”

Reba McEntire’s twenty-fifth album, and second Christmas album, showcases the country singer’s true love for the holidays in full force. Released in 1999, the album is certainly a representation of what country music was in the 90’s. Half of the album consists of traditional Christmas classics while the other half features originals. The release of the album was backed by a CBS made-for-television movie debuting on Thanksgiving 1999 starring Reba herself.

1. This Is My Prayer for You – A somber introduction to the album that sets the tone for the rest of the collection. Any country music lover will certainly enjoy this song.

2. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus – The first traditional Christmas song on the album, Reba sings a swinging country rendition of this coy song. Makes you want to tap your foot along or dance a little.

3. One Child, One Day – Reba picks up the pace of the album on this track. Telling the story of Jesus’ birth, Reba lets her vocals soar over this rejoicing tune.

4. Mary, Did You Know? – Another somber tune, Reba sings this holiday classic with a firm conviction in her faith. A nice take on the song. Not the best ever recorded, but Reba certainly did it justice.

5. Up On The Housetop – Pulling the album out of the serious tone, Reba sings this fun sing-along Christmas song.

6. The Angels Sang – Backed by her son’s third grade class at the time, Reba sings another song with a religious twist about the true meaning of Christmas.

7. Santa Claus Is Coming Back To Town – At first glance you think that this is the fun “Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town,” but if you look closely you’ll see that it’s a completely different song entirely. “Santa Claus Is Coming Back to Town” is a slow-tempo song about Santa bringing the one you love to you on Christmas.

8. The Secret of Giving – This mid-tempo title track is a song about being selfless for the holidays. A true message that needs to be shared all year round, especially at Christmas time.

9. This Christmas –This song is not the “This Christmas” you’re thinking of. Instead, this song is about maintaining your faith each Christmas.

10. ‘Til The Season Comes ‘Round Again –A song about being generous and thankful all year long. A nice sentiment and a great way to end the album. It’s nice to hear songs about the end of the Christmas season, which can be depressing at times because all the fun is over, but this song is a great message that says that we need to make each day special.

The album was a nice listen, but none of the tracks wowed me. Throughout the album it is very evident that Reba has a strong faith and understands the true meaning of Christmas. She presents this in a way that is present but not shoved in your face.Each song is crafted with true instruments, usually acoustic instruments that sets a nice tone for the whole album.